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WEA teams up with the University of Liverpool

28 March 2017

The WEA has teamed up with the University of Liverpool to encourage more people to take up sciences.

Leading practitioners and academics from the university are working with the WEA to create a programme that will engage groups which are currently under-represented in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine) industries.

For some, the Higher Education (HE) sector is still viewed as the preserve of those from more affluent backgrounds, since students in HE are significantly more likely to come from privileged backgrounds. Inequalities still also exist in relation to gender, ethnicity, and disability in relation to HE participation. However, there are an increasing number of local and national initiatives, to encourage people from all walks of life to study science at degree level, paving the way for a career in the STEMM sector.

Paul Amann, project lead at the WEA, says: “This project would not be possible without vital funding from the Wellcome Trust. We will use the grant to ensure that those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and people from other under-represented groups, are given the opportunity to become part of the sector. We want to bring a world of scientific discovery, engagement and participation to a whole new audience.”

Dr. Debbi Stanistreet, Director of Widening Participation in Health and Life Sciences, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the Workers’ Educational Association to develop a project that provides meaningful public engagement across a broad range of subject areas relating to science and health. This project will provide an opportunity for adults, who have not done so previously, to consider the option of participating in higher education in the future.”

It is hoped that the initiative will help maximise local talent and provide new opportunities for those looking to progress in the sector.